Mexican bank BBVA has issued an alert regarding a new fraud scheme known as RAT – short for Remote Access Trojan – that is targeting its customers. The scheme involves criminals gaining remote control of victims’ mobile devices to steal funds.
According to BBVA, fraudsters are posing as bank representatives to convince users that there is an issue with their mobile application. They then instruct victims to download a malicious platform disguised as a fix, which secretly installs malware granting the criminals full access to the device. This type of cyberattack is becoming increasingly common as banks bolster their security measures and criminals seek new ways to exploit account holders.
BBVA is warning customers about a new fraud scheme that could give criminals control of their mobile devices and bank accounts. (Photo: AI-Generated)
BBVA emphasizes that it only has two official mobile applications: BBVA México and BBVA Empresas México, both available for iOS and Android devices and offered free of charge. The bank warns that criminals may likewise impersonate government officials to create a sense of urgency and prevent victims from carefully evaluating the situation.
Once the RAT malware is installed, fraudsters can access personal data, including passwords, and initiate unauthorized transactions, such as transfers and purchases. BBVA also notes that the scheme can be initiated through suspicious emails or text messages containing malicious attachments.
To protect themselves, BBVA advises customers to download applications only from official sources and to avoid installing programs from unknown providers. The bank also stresses that it will never contact customers to report issues with their application or to inquire about unrecognized transactions. Maintaining updated operating systems and antivirus software is also crucial.
Customers who suspect they have been targeted by this fraud are urged to contact authorities or report the incident directly to BBVA. The increasing sophistication of these attacks underscores the importance of vigilance and proactive security measures for banking customers.
This alert comes as financial institutions in Mexico continue to strengthen their security protocols in response to evolving cyber threats.
